Chapter 3 Definitions

Question 1

Electroencephalogram

Answer 1

The recordings of the electrical activity in the brain - recorded by a computer and shown on a monitor.

Question 2

NREM Sleep

Answer 2

One of two phases of sleep, characterised by little or no rapid eye movement, and is divided into 4 stages of NREM sleep that are determined predominantly but he predominant brainwave patterns.

Question 3

REM Sleep

Answer 3

On of two phases of sleep, characterised by rapid eye movement.

Question 4

Amplitude

Answer 4

In terms of brainwaves, the height of the peaks and troughs of the curved graph that represents brainwave activity.

Question 5

Frequency

Answer 5

In terms of brainwaves, the number of brainwaves per second.

Question 6

Describe the frequency and amplitude of each type of brainwave

Answer 6

Beta waves - high F, low A
Alpha waves - reasonably high F, low A
Theta waves - medium F, mixed A (some high, some low)
Delta waves - steady pattern of low F, high A

Question 7

Sleep spindle

Answer 7

Brainwave patterns that consist of high bursts of frequency.

STAGE 2 NREM (can also be found in 3-4 but mainly 2).

Question 8

K-complexes

Answer 8

Brainwave patterns that consist of a sharp rise and fall in amplitude, lasting about two seconds in the EEG.

STAGE 2 NREM (can be triggered by external stimuli such as a loud bang).

Question 9

Sawtooth waves

Answer 9

Special type of theta-like brainwave pattern that resembles the blade of a saw that may be found amongst the random and fast beta-like waves, especially when there is a burst of rapid eye movement.

REM SLEEP

Question 10

Electrooculargraph (EOG)

Answer 10

A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the muscles that move the eye.

Question 11

Electrooculargram

Answer 11

The recordings of the electrical activity in the muscles that allow the eye to move.

Question 12

Electromyograph (EMG)

Answer 12

A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of muscles.

Question 13

Electromyogram

Answer 13

The recordings of the electrical activity of muscles.

Question 14

Polysomnogram

Answer 14

A continuously moving chart that displays data collected simultaneously from EEG, EOG, EMG and any other devices.

Question 15

Electrocardiograph (EOG)

Answer 15

A device that detects, amplifies and records the electrical activity of the heart muscles.

Question 16

Galvanic Skin Response (GSR)

Answer 16

The physiological response that indicates the electrical conductivity of the skin.

Question 17

Sleep laboratory

Answer 17

A place used for scientific research on sleep that resembles a bedroom.

Question 18

Self-reports

Answer 18

Statements and answers to questions made by the participants concerning their psychological experience (thoughts, feelings and behaviours) in relation to a psychological phenomena, in this case, SLEEP.

Question 19

Video monitoring

Answer 19

Common method used to observe sleep - uses infrared cameras that operate silently to allow footage to be seen and taped in the dark without disturbing the sleeping participant.

Question 20

Electroencephalograph (EEG)

Answer 20

A device that detects, amplifies and records electrical activity in the brain in the form of brainwaves.